A dog is at the centre of a trial after being accused of biting a woman and her pet terrier while dangerously out of control.

The animal, named Shadow, is one of five dogs to feature in the case and is owned by Susan Vass, who denies it attacked her neighbour.

Staffordshire bull terrier Shadow is alleged to have attacked her next-door neighbour Caroline Ratcliffe and one of her two dogs, Boris, in October last year.

University teacher Ms Ratcliffe, who appeared by video like from a Thanet police station, told the jury at Canterbury Crown Court that the incident happened outside her home to West Dumpton Lane, Ramsgate.

"My neighbour had three dogs called Tinker Bell, Shadow and Max.

"I was driving home from University with my dogs, a springer spaniel cross breed called Bella and a terrier called Boris in the rear of my Fiat 500."

"They were in the back of the car strapped in a special harness. I became aware of something on my left calf. As I moved out of the way I saw my neighbour's dog, Shadow.

"It was trying to get into the back to get at Boris' harness. Shadow then tried to pull Boris away.

"Boris went limp and he had wet himself..." - Caroline Ratcliffe

"I started screaming for help because I couldn't keep them apart, " said the former Home Office forensic scientist.

Ms Ratcliffe wept as she recalled being unable to separate the animals as Vass and her daughter arrived.

"Boris went limp and he had wet himself. I felt it running down my leg."

She claimed it was later she discovered that Boris had puncture wounds on its neck.

" I didn't realise until later I had a bite mark only hand and a pinch mark on my thigh. Boris' harness was (ruined) beyond recognition."

She claimed that Vass' daughter also came to help and eventually Shadow was taken back into the house.

John Barker defending asked Ms Ratcliffe if she knew how the two "vampire like" marks on her arm had been caused.

She said she believed they were caused by Shadow.

Ms Radcliffe said she muzzled Boris if he was taken into open areas as he didn't react well to bigger dogs.

She broke down and wept as she told the jury how Vass, 50, left her in a distressed state on the night.

Vass has denied owning a dog dangerously out of control.

The trial continues.